February 16, 2010

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me"." Matthew 16:24 NLT

Next time you are sitting in a coffee shop, look around and see if you can find one. It won't take long to spot, I can assure you. It could be gold or silver, jeweled and delicate or metallic and rugged.

It musters up different emotions. For some, it is a piece of jewelry that is worn without a thought. After all, it was bought just for that outfit. The perfect accessory to finish off the look just right.

For others, it is something to be shied away from. They remember the picture of the man hanging on it. They shiver thinking that someone died on one. Why would anyone want to focus on something that speaks of pain and torture?

But for some, it is the symbol of all that is. It symbolizes all they were, all they are and all they will be. It tells the greatest story ever told. The story of Love within the pages of the story of death.

His death so I may live.

My death so He may live.

How odd. The logical sequence is life then death, not death then life.

But that is exactly how it is.

In order to live, there must be death.

We celebrate life with "It's a boy!" or "It's a girl!" and then we wait for the sound that, since the beginning of time, a mother holds her breath to hear. The cry of life.

But death.

His death.

His death not warranted nor deserved. His death so life could be born. His death so victory could be won. His death so a Creator could be reunited with His creation. His death so a Father could be reunited with His child.

Another death.

My death.

My death is the only way I know how to even start to say thank you. My death so the Spirit can fully have His way. My death so that same stubborn sin finally dies. My death so the gripping temptations lose their hold.

His death began with surrender. “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Luke 22:42 NLT

Mine begins in much the same way.

Starting with the bending of my knee and the bowing of my heart to the King of kings. Praying "Your will, not mine. Your desires, not mine. Your control, not mine. All to you and for you Jesus, I surrender."

Today starts a forty day journey to the Cross which will end at an open and empty tomb. A journey from death to life, from defeat to victory. Let’s not journey through this Lenten season unchanged. Let’s die to ourselves so that we may live and experience abundant life. Let’s let the Light of Jesus shine on what needs to die. Let’s let the Word penetrate into our hearts so we can be transformed and our minds be renewed. Let’s take up our cross and follow him.

Each of us is shaped to serve the living God. We come together for one common goal, total health. Some of us are on a journey to weight loss. Some of us are on a journey to wholeness and healing. Some of us are on a journey to living life above the rubble. Whatever your journey, our destination is the same - a life of fullness of health through Jesus.

I want to hear from you. Where do you want to be forty days from now? Are you willing to walk the path to the Cross with us? To let God have his way to transform us - ordinary women with ordinary challenges as we seek to serve our extraordinary God.

I agree, very beautifully written, and for me it cannot be answered so simply. We have had a journey of our own recently at church, "One month to Live." What would I do if I only have 30 days left on this earth. It seems like an easy answer, but it's not. It calls for drastic changes and recognizing that even when you think you are doing well, there is always room for change!

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About Me

I am a God follower, Jesus lover, Word diver on a journey to total health - physically, mentally, emotionally and ultimately spiritually.
I have the awesome privilege of being Chris' wife and Benjamin and Katie's mom. They have my heart.
My passion is ministering to women and seeing God work in the hearts of His girls to set them free.
Food is my love language and nothing fills my heart like cooking for those I love.
I love (aka am addicted to) coffee and a good book, especially if I am being challenged through it's words. I am fed by deep conversations about God and His Word and studying the Bible, especially in the original languages.

What I am Believing...

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. - Psalm 16:5-6 ESV

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised. - Hebrews 10:35-36 ESV

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them - Psalm 112:7 NLT

The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." - Psalm 32:8 NLT

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise - Hebrews 10:23 NLT